Register Now for MEND, Free Healthy Lifestyle Classes at Palmer Park

3/20/2013

The Chicago Park District is partnering with the MEND Foundation to launch an admission free, healthy lifestyle program for families with children ages 7-13 who are above a healthy weight at Palmer Park, 201 E. 111th St., Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., from April 1-June 12.

Registration is required for the classes. Interested families can call the wellness hotline at 312-742-4740. To watch a video on the program, click here.

With one in three children overweight or obese, the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) program aims to improve overall health and fitness of families. Families will learn how to read food labels and take part in nutrition sessions. They will also learn about healthy portion sizes and will be shown the effects different foods have on their health. During the course, children will participate in a wide variety of physical activities and games.

Established in 2008, the MEND Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire children, families and adults to lead and sustain fitter, healthier and happier lives – with a focus on changing the behaviors that cause obesity. The foundation fulfills its vision with the MEND program, an obesity prevention and intervention program for low-income families in underserved communities.

Palmer Park MEND program is possible due to funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and the Chicago Community Trust.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.